On November 21, 2024, Liu Shiming Art Foundation hosted a unique musical event, “The Melody of Strings,” at Liu Shiming Art Gallery. This special concert featured an enchanting performance by acclaimed guzheng musician Wei Sun, bringing a distinct cultural experience to our gallery space. The immersive event allowed audiences to experience the subtle harmony between traditional Chinese music and Liu Shiming’s sculptures. Music and sculpture engaged in a quiet dialogue, each enhancing the other’s presence. The concert offered an experience that brought out the depth and subtlety of Chinese art in an intimate, sensory journey.
Wei Sun playing Guzheng at Liu Shiming Art Gallery. Photo: Liu Shiming Art Foundation
Wei Sun, the principal guzheng player of the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, began studying the guzheng at the age of six and has since achieved international acclaim for her artistry. Her performances have graced stages at Lincoln Center, the United Nations, Columbia University, and other prominent venues. Known for her innovative arrangements, Wei brings new vitality to the guzheng — a 21-string traditional instrument known for its resonance with natural soundscapes and deep cultural roots. Her interpretations of Chinese folk melodies and classical pieces captivated the audience, offering a profound auditory experience that conveyed the instrument's rich heritage.
After visiting the Liu Shiming Art Gallery, Wei Sun was deeply moved by the heartfelt emotions and diverse themes embodied in Liu Shiming's sculptures. When selecting her repertoire, she carefully chose several classic pieces that resonated with the themes of the sculptures. For example, "Song of the Homebound Fishermen", which reflects the lives of boatmen, and "The Butterfly Lovers", a piece centered on the theme of love. These selections echoed the emotional essence of the artworks, offering the audience a multidimensional artistic feast where music and sculpture intertwined seamlessly.
Audience listening to guzheng performance by Wei Sun. Photo: Liu Shiming Art Foundation
The concert’s unique appeal also lay in its conceptual connection to Liu Shiming’s sculpture Guangling San (1986). The work is inspired by Liu’s deep appreciation for traditional Chinese music, especially the famed guzheng piece “Guangling San”, a composition originating from the Wei-Jin period. Liu held a lifelong admiration for this piece and its connection to the philosopher Ji Kang, who played it just before his execution as a final expression of defiance and inner peace. Reflecting on this, Liu Shiming once said, “I loved listening to guqin music. In 1963, while working in the art department at Kaifeng Normal Academy, I had a neighbor who was a guqin teacher, and I heard him play every morning and afternoon. The sculpture Guangling San (1986) was my abstract conception of Ji Kang, an image formed in my mind like a mountain with multiple facets.” Through this inspiration, the concert became a dialogue between music and sculpture, drawing the audience into a contemplative space where sound and form intertwined.
Liu Shiming. Guangling San, 1986. Bronze, 29 x 25 x13 in.
“The Melody of Strings” reflects Liu Shiming Art Foundation’s dedication to creating more opportunities for a new generation of artists and promoting Liu Shiming’s artistic legacy. This event provided a meaningful cultural experience, inviting the audience to explore the depth of Chinese art in a new way. The Foundation looks forward to presenting more cross-disciplinary events that bring the unique beauty of Chinese art to a wider audience. Please stay tuned to our website and social media platforms for news on upcoming cultural programs and exhibitions.
Visitors exploring the sculptures at the Liu Shiming Art Gallery. Photo: Liu Shiming Art Foundation
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Company Name: Liu Shiming Art Foundation
Contact Person: Harry Cheng
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.lsmartfund.org
